Chew Wisely: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Chewing is a natural and enjoyable activity for dogs. It can provide mental stimulation, relieve boredom and help keep energetic dogs occupied. However, the traditional image of a dog happily chewing on a bone does not always tell the whole story.

At Townsville Vet Clinic, we know that bones can cause painful and potentially serious problems. Broken teeth, choking, mouth injuries and digestive blockages are just some of the complications associated with bone chewing.

Before offering your dog a bone, it is important to understand the risks and consider whether a safer alternative may be more suitable.

Bones are often given to dogs in the belief that chewing will clean their teeth. While chewing may remove some visible build-up, this does not mean that bones prevent dental disease.

Hard bones can place significant pressure on a dog’s teeth, particularly the large teeth at the back of the mouth. This can lead to painful fractures that may require extraction or other dental treatment. Bones may also become lodged between the teeth or across the roof of the mouth.

WSAVA guidance advises that bones are not necessary for maintaining dental health and may cause tooth fractures, digestive obstruction or internal injury.

Whether they have been baked, boiled, roasted, smoked or barbecued, cooked bones should always be kept away from pets.

Cooking changes the structure of a bone, making it more brittle and likely to break into sharp pieces. These fragments can become stuck in the throat, damage the mouth or injure the stomach and intestines.

Cooked bones may also cause constipation or a blockage within the digestive tract. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the bone or repair internal damage.

Be especially careful after family meals and barbecues. Place leftover bones directly into a secure bin that your dog cannot open.

Raw bones are sometimes considered safer because they are generally less brittle than cooked bones. However, they are not free from risk.

A raw bone can still:

• Fracture or wear down teeth
• Become stuck in the mouth or throat
• Cause choking
• Create constipation or an intestinal blockage
• Carry harmful bacteria that may affect pets and people

The RSPCA does not recommend feeding raw meat or bones because of the risks of dental injury, digestive obstruction and bacterial contamination.

This is particularly important in Townsville’s warm conditions, where raw animal products should not be left outdoors or allowed to spoil. Dogs should also not be permitted to bury food and return to it later.

Owners considering a raw diet or raw bones should speak with their veterinarian first. Your dog’s age, health, dental condition, eating habits and chewing style can all affect the level of risk.

Dogs do not need to chew real bones to enjoy enrichment. There are several alternatives that can help keep them entertained with fewer risks.

Look for a dental chew that is appropriate for your dog’s weight and chewing habits. Products accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council have been assessed for their ability to help control plaque or tartar.

Dental chews should still be given under supervision and included when calculating your dog’s daily food intake.

Rubber enrichment toys can be filled with part of your dog’s normal meal or another veterinarian-approved filling. They encourage licking and problem-solving while providing longer-lasting entertainment.

Choose toys made specifically for dogs and select the correct size for your pet. Replace toys that have become damaged or small enough to swallow.

Dogs that chew forcefully may need different products from dogs that gently mouth their toys. No chew toy is completely indestructible, so supervision remains important. WSAVA also recommends choosing treats and chews that are an appropriate size and shape to reduce choking risk.

Contact a veterinarian promptly if your dog has swallowed a cooked bone or develops any unusual symptoms after chewing.

Warning signs may include:

• Gagging, coughing or difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Unusual tiredness or restlessness
• Straining or difficulty passing stools
• Blood in the vomit or stools

Breathing difficulties or choking should always be treated as an emergency.

Every dog chews differently. A product that is suitable for one pet may be too hard, too small or easily destroyed by another.

The Townsville Vet Clinic team can assess your dog’s teeth and recommend dental-care products and enrichment options suited to their size, age and chewing behaviour. Choosing the right chew can keep your dog entertained without placing their teeth or digestive health at unnecessary risk.